UPDATE: Jazz aficionados, mark your calendars! Renowned pianist Barney McAll and legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz are set to perform together at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival on October 22, 2023. This highly anticipated collaboration promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, showcasing the enduring musical bond between these two jazz icons.
From his home in Coburg North, McAll continues to thrive despite the geographic distance from Bartz, who resides in New York. Their collaboration remains strong, with recent tours in Japan and Europe, proving that distance is no barrier for creativity and connection in jazz.
The duo first joined forces during the inaugural Melbourne International Jazz Festival in 1997, and their chemistry has only intensified over the years. Following McAll’s success as the inaugural winner of the National Jazz Awards in 1990, Bartz invited him to join the acclaimed Gary Bartz Quartet. McAll recalls the moment, saying, “If you are in the band, then you are in the band,” a testament to Bartz’s confidence in his talent.
Their upcoming performance at 170 Russell Street will feature Bartz on saxophone and vocals, McAll on keyboards, and a talented ensemble including Rita Satch and Belle Bangard on vocals, Gilly G on guitar, and more. The repertoire will include a re-imagining of Bartz’s radical NTU Troop music along with tracks from his latest release, Damage Control.
McAll expresses an emotional connection to Bartz’s music, stating, “There is spirit in the air every time he starts playing.” His journey from Brooklyn to Melbourne has not diminished his artistic spirit; instead, it has fostered a rich environment for creativity. After relocating in 2016, McAll has produced some of his best work in Australia, blending influences from his extensive career, including collaborations with jazz legends like Dewey Redman and Sia.
As the Melbourne International Jazz Festival kicks off on October 17, the JazzLab in Brunswick will host a series of exciting performances, including Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez and a tribute to the late drummer Allan Browne. The festival promises to be a highlight for jazz lovers, with several shows already sold out.
The collaboration between McAll and Bartz not only represents a significant musical partnership but also highlights the resilience of artists in a globalized world. This performance will be a unique opportunity for fans to witness their chemistry live.
Stay tuned for more updates as the festival approaches, and don’t miss this chance to see two jazz legends share the stage. Be part of this historic moment in jazz history!
